Literary study and evolutionary theory : A review essay

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Literary Studies
• Interdisciplinary Studies

Background:

• Recent scholarship attempts to bridge literary study with evolutionary biology.
• Existing works often employ evolutionary theories peripheral to core Darwinian adaptationism.
• Connections are explored with diverse fields like anthropology, psychology, neurobiology, and linguistics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate recent attempts to integrate literary study and evolutionary biology.
• To assess the theoretical frameworks and disciplinary connections employed in this emerging field.
• To identify foundational principles and future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and critical analysis of recent books.
• Examination of theoretical approaches to evolutionary biology in literary scholarship.
• Assessment of interdisciplinary connections and methodological frameworks.

Main Results:

• Most reviewed books utilize evolutionary concepts not central to the Darwinian adaptationist program.
• Robert Storey's work is noted for formulating basic principles and identifying key disciplinary links.
• An empirical paradigm for this field is not yet established.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress has been made in establishing principles and connections for evolutionary literary study.
• Robert Storey's contributions are highlighted for their foundational role.
• Further reciprocal engagement between biologists and social scientists is crucial for advancing the field.